A community champion scheme run by a Hinckley supermarket is making a big difference to good causes around the town.

Asda’s community champion Marie Eaves has given out hundreds of pounds on behalf of the Barwell Lane based retailer in the past 12 months and is calling for more nominations from organisations which could benefit from some help.

Every three months, a group of staff members chooses three causes from those nominated then asks shoppers to vote for their favourite through a token scheme in store.

The winner receives £500 and the two runners-up each get £200 towards their work.

For the March to May quarter this year, Alex Hopwood’s A Gift to Lift charity received the winning £500, with St Francis Community Centre on Tudor Road and the 1st Hinckley (St Mary’s) Rainbows both getting £200.

The three beneficiaries to be voted for until the end of August are Hinckley Canoe Club, the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance and Earl Shilton Youth Cafe.

Champion Marie said: “It is so simple to apply.

“It would be really good to receive more nominations.

“Nominations can be made via the website. Nomination forms are available from the community board in store or just by writing me a letter.

“The more information the good cause or charity can give me the better.”

The next round of voting will be for the quarter running from September to November this year.

Marie also supports good causes by volunteering many hours of her time each week.

She spends time each Friday with Age UK in Earl Shilton and has helped with interactive learning sessions at Hinckley and District Museum and supported a sports day at Westfield Infant School, providing medals, certificates and fresh fruit for the young competitors.

In addition, she can help groups apply for Local Impact Fund grants towards specific schemes.

A recent beneficiary has been the Friends of Hollycroft Park which received £345 towards installation of new lighting in the park’s bandstand.

Nomination forms for the green token scheme are available in store and online or email community champion Marie at Community_hinckley@asda.co.uk for more information.

Hinckley Asda community champion Marie Eaves presents a cheque for £345 to Friends of Hollycroft Park, Malcolm Simpson, Margaret Parker, Rod Parker, John Jeffrey and chairman Dawn Jeffrey, to help pay for new lights in the park bandstand

* New light is to be shed on Hollycroft Park’s bandstand, thanks to two community grants.

Hinckley’s Asda supermarket and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have both given £345 to the Friends of Hollycroft Park, to pay for new lights to be installed over the performance area, which is used throughout the summer for free community performances.

Friends secretary Sue Neal said: “The old lights are well past their sell-by date and not very efficient.

“Thanks to Asda and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council we have been able to order new up to date and efficient lights.”

Asda community champion Marie Eaves, who presented a cheque to the Friends, said: “They are a small dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the people of Hinckley benefit from the facilities and events held at the award winning Hollycroft Park.

“The replacement of the lights on the bandstand will ensure that they can continue to put on events well into the future.”

The bandstand is due to be used by Wigston Silver Band who will be giving a free concert this Sunday from 3pm to 5pm and by The Tones, who will be performing free at the same times on Sunday September 4.

A popular Proms in the Park event will be held there on September 10 from 6pm to 9pm.